A hundred names, a century apart

A hundred names, a century apart

Today’s top 100 birth names bear little relation to those born a hundred years ago according to details released by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Only James features in both lists – number three in both 1915 and 2015. Mary was the top female name in 1915 but does not make it into the 2015 top 100. John was the top boy’s name in 1915 and 86th in 2015.

Charlotte and Oliver are the most popular names this year but in 1915 Charlotte was 98th and Oliver did not rate in the top 100.

The full list is available on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery, says the top 100 girls’ and boys’ names make up a small proportion of the more than 12,000 unique first names registered for children born each year.

“While parents have the freedom to be creative with the name of their baby, every name must follow a few simple rules. It should not cause offence to a reasonable person, be unreasonably long or, without adequate justification, resemble an official title or rank,” Mr Montgomery said.

"Birth registration is free and can now be done completely online. Registering your baby as soon as possible is an important step for all parents. Birth registration confirms whether your child is a New Zealand citizen. It gives your child a legal identity and the rights, responsibilities and support services that go with being a Kiwi."

Both parents must jointly register the birth of their children. Registration allows birth certificates to be issued. They can now be purchased at the same time as the birth is registered or later online using RealMe as well as by phone (0800 22 52 52 in New Zealand) or visiting an Internal Affairs office in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington or Christchurch. Birth certificates cost $26.50 for one or $39.80 for a decorative package of two certificates of the same person.

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